Tennessee OT Gilliam out for year with torn ACL

KNOXVILLE, TN - AUGUST 31, 2014 - Offensive lineman Jacob Gilliam #65 of the Tennessee Volunteers running through the "T" during the season opening game between the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the Utah State Aggies at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Alison McNabb/Tennessee Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee offensive tackle Jacob Gilliam will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament Sunday in a 38-7 victory over Utah State.

Volunteers coach Butch Jones announced the severity of Gilliam's injury at his Tuesday news conference.

Gilliam, a fifth-year senior and a former walk-on, had been placed on scholarship after spring practice and had opened the year as Tennessee's starting left tackle. Jones said junior-college transfer Dontavius Blair, redshirt freshman Brett Kendrick and freshman Coleman Thomas would compete for the open spot this week.

The injury to Gilliam creates more adversity for an offensive line that already was replacing all five of last year's starters, including Miami Dolphins first-round draft pick Ja'Wuan James.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.